PREDICTORS OF RESPONSE TO AMINE-SPECIFIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS

Discriminant function analysis of data from a double-blind comparative trial of lofepramine (a noradrenaline-specific reuptake inhibitor) an d fluoxetine (a serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitor), involving 183 patients was used to identify predictors of response. Psychic anxiety significantly predicted a positive response to antidepressant medicati on, whereas psychomotor retardation, observed sadness, subjective lass itude and somatic complaints were significant predictors of nonrespons e. Age, gender, endogenicity, duration of illness and number of previo us episodes were not predictive of response. Significant differences w ere found between predictors of response to fluoxetine and lofepramine (P < 0.001 all groups). Predictors of response to lofepramine were si milar to overall predictors, i.e., psychic anxiety predicted responder s whilst observed sadness, psychomotor retardation, lassitude, inabili ty to feel and somatic complaints predicted nonresponders. In contrast , baseline weight loss predicted response to fluoxetine, whereas anxie ty, reduced insight and a tendency to blame others significantly predi cted nonresponse. Such findings have practical implications for the ma nagement of depressive illness.